Two Sons of Francisco (2005)

Very disappointing...

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

This movie narrates the true story of the rags-to-riches climb of Zezé di Camargo and Luciano. Though it was not so much a straightforward climb as a roller-coaster ride and it probably would never have happened had it not been for the single-minded determination of their father. Indeed, it is as much his story and that of their brother Emival as it is theirs.Whilst I do not know what really happened, it would appear that the movie tells the story simply and without over-elaboration. All of this, against the contrasting backdrop of the beautiful scenery, electric atmosphere and depressing slums of Brazil and the intoxicating beauty of the music, make for a very pleasant movie experience. But it is the performances of Dablio Moreira and Marcos Henrique, as Young Mirosmar/Zezé Di Camargo and his brother Emival that elevate the film to a different level. Though I somehow doubt it, I hope that these two talented young performers gained the accolades and financial rewards that their outstanding performances merited. What I do know is that, in the Young Artists Awards (2006), Dablio and Marcos jointly won the award for Best Performance in an International Feature Film - Leading Young Performer, in the face of very stiff competition.Having watched the DVD several times, I purchased a CD of the "movie soundtrack," but I was hugely disappointed! There is absolutely nothing of Dablio Moreira and Marcos Henrique to be heard and I must admit that I was far more moved by their rendition of the music than that of Zezé di Camargo and Luciano. I am nothing short of amazed that there has still been no International release of a DVD. It's a beautiful movie and anyone believing that it would have no appeal outside of its native Brazil must be crazy!

A perfect story with wonderful music. Based on a true story, it showed us the bittersweet struggling path of the duet. Such a well-told story, and so many musical treasures made it simply a must see!Brazil is a rich country when music tradition is concerned. And every successful musician has a story to tell. This is one of them, tells us how music changes life and how life enriches music.I love folk music and the Brazil music is a major factor when I picked up this DVD. It does have a great number pieces of beautiful music flowing through the movie, which are far beyond most of the musical movies I've ever seen. Moreover, it is a good drama at the same time. The emotions, the feelings, the lives of all characters are well expressed.Go see it whenever and wherever you can find it. I bet you'll love it like I do.Highly recommended!!In my own opinion, it will certainly win the best foreign film in this year's Oscar.

This is a true story about two brothers - Zeze di Camargo and Luciano. In this movie, you will see the struggles their family went through with not even having any money for food. Their father's biggest dream was to have his kids become country starts. By selling all his crop to purchase an accordion, he gave that to his son as a gift and told him to learn it on his own! The kids start playing in the bus station for money (to buy food)...This movie has been beautifully been put together. It has great acting, including from the children, who sing their hearts out throughout the entire movie! This is truly and inspirational story of how your dreams can come true if you really fight for them!

I really enjoyed it this movie. I saw this movie while visiting Brasil for the first time during the early parts of October 2005. Despite my limited mastery of the Portuguese language I was quickly taken in by this movie. I laughed; cried, celebrated and cried again as the movie engulfs you with its charm, scenery, music and its superb story line that flowed beautifully. Adding to its magic was the fact that I saw it with my new BRASILEAN girlfriend... Celia. It was truly an uplifting film that leaves you with a sense of hope. I highly recommend it to everyone.Javier Lizano